Yes, I would like to do this. For me it's less the phone than my laptop. I am self employed and don't work a normal schedule, which leads to me bring on my laptop constantly. I didn't realize how much it was impacting my ability to focus on books until this year when it took me months to finish a single novel. I only read 4 books this year (will hopefully finish #5 in the next week) when I used to regularly read 20 or more.

I bought the book Getting to Done and am setting up some processes to hopefully put better boundaries around my work and be able to close my laptop more often so I can read or just be without a screen. I also crochet and am hoping to start a time consuming crochet project over the holidays as well, so that's another reason to limit screens because I find that so relaxing.

I read about 80-100 books a year. I don't need to tie it explicitly to less phone time, because it's inevitable. I've also added two more non-screen hobbies this year - puzzles and cross stitch. They all keep me off the mindless scrolling. I also don't watch tv/movies, just because I really don't enjoy them.

I did one book a month 2 years ago. That’s probably low for some but it was an effort for me but I did it and planning to again.

My resolution is to simply keep track of the books I read

Yes!

This is a big thing for me this year. I'm creating a list with notes after I read the book. The DCUM book club monthly thread has been great for me. I know people use Goodreads, but I've just never been able to get into using that. Besides, that's more screen time lol.

Anonymous wrote:For 2026, I had my husband set my screen time password so I can’t blow past it when it’s up. It has worked.

This is a great idea!

I was successful in reading more books this year. But STILL spend a disgusting amount of time on my phone. Please don’t feel bad or guilty about it: tech companies hire the world’s best engineers and designers to keep us absolutely glued to our devices - and it works.

My average daily screen time is between 6-8 hours every single day. There have been weeks I’ve limited it to 4-5 a day, but never less than that - consistently. Ironically, I ALWAYS feel better when I take a day away from my phone.

So yeah, I’m looking to limit my screen time in the new year.

I really need to do this. One, doom scrolling isn't healthy. Two, I have "tablet neck" from it. Three, I need to regain my concentration and enjoyment of long form material.

I meant to say 2025 I did that

For 2026, I had my husband set my screen time password so I can’t blow past it when it’s up. It has worked.

I plan to do this. Most of my screen time is on my iPad so I will put a per day limit on screen time for the device.

There are also times, like early evening, when I scroll while watching the news. I think I would be better off not doing either, so I will try to read instead.

Small steps.

I had hoped to beat last year’s record of reading 31 books but I think I will probably come in at 29 for 2025. Screens are definitely to blame.

I know that sometimes people on this book forum talk about wanting to read X number of books per year and they set the goal in January and then work through it.

Is anyone hoping to put down their phone / laptop more and read a book instead?

I started doing that this month and spent half a free day reading a book. It made me want to change things up so I think it's going to be one of my January goals.

Anyone else and any suggestions as to when / how to achieve this